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It’s sensible to have role descriptions for trustees.

Trustees with specific roles are often called honorary officers. Honorary officers can only carry out aspects of the charity’s business if they're authorised to do so. They generally include the chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

Role descriptions for trustees and honorary officers should include their responsibilities, and a person specification that sets out the skills, experience and qualities that are expected.

Sample trustee role descriptions

These role descriptions were written by NCVO's governance experts. They should be tailored to your organisation.

This page was last reviewed for accuracy on 26 July 2022

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